Everyone has some awkward thing about them, whether they recognize and embrace it or not. For me, it's self-expression in not-so-traditional places. I can't say that K-Pop is often heard on an HBCU campus, but it's blasting in my ears all the time. I enjoy the music, the dances, the artists, and everything about K-Pop fandom and have even learned about its ties to black music culture. I enjoy all music, but I was apprehensive about how I would be perceived while in an environment, like an HBCU campus, that I assumed would not embrace my dance sessions, quirky clothing or BTS posters. However, when you are already in new surroundings and a life transition such as leaving home and going to college, you have to have some way of coping with the changes. For me, that's K-Pop. Just immersing myself into the K-Pop fandom, which almost feels like a fantasy world to me, has been a great escape from the anxieties you feel when starting a new adventure. Yes, it was a little awkward at first, but doing some K-Pop dance routines in my room before studying for an exam helped me relax enough to get in the right mindset. My roommate looked at me sideways in the beginning, but now she knows a routine or two. To be honest, if the guys on campus can recite rap lyrics and gestures while music is blasting in their ears, and the girls do TikToks in the student union as a form of expression and fun, I can do my K-Pop dances, and that's what I do. Before I started at my college, I stressed about how something I enjoyed would also make me stand out when I wanted to fit in. Back in high school, the landscape was more diverse, and it was easy to find and connect with my K-pop crew. I assumed I needed to keep my fandom under wraps once starting at an HBCA, but I soon learned that I had to be me no matter the environment. Over time, students on campus started to know me as the K-Pop girl, and eventually, I learned I was not the only one. I have become more comfortable in my own skin in a new place and learned that I don't need to hide my authentic self. You will not only learn more about yourself and be true to yourself, but you will find your people in the process.

After graduating from Hampton University, I plan to pursue a career in corporate public affairs with a focus on healthcare and technology. As a political science major, I want to develop my knowledge of advocacy, policy, and strategic communications. I am passionate understanding how companies make decisions and how those decisions impact our daily lives. I choose to focus on healthcare and technology because both areas are rapidly evolving and impact our mental, physical, financial and emotional well-being and are shaping the future. Whether it is a new app that can track our health or new technology that can diagnose illnesses like cancer earlier, this is an exciting time to be engaged in these industries. It is also an important time to work with organizations to advocate for change, and challenge them on in terms of access, fairness and trust. I want to be someone who helps organizations communicate strategically, make responsible choices, consider all persons and create policies that intentionally help communities. I chose to study at an HBCU because I wanted a school that supported and challenged me. The community, comradery, networking, and campus culture are unmatched. I feel empowered being in an environment that values my history and is committed to my community through scholarship and service. At Hampton, I am building the knowledge, experience and confidence needed for my future career in public affairs while also continuing my family legacy of an HBCU education.